How to grow Orostachys boehmeri (Chinese dunce cap) so it quickly fills its pot? Succulent growing methods and precautions
Nowadays, succulents are extremely popular with everyone, not only because their appearance is delicate and compact, but also because succulents are especially easy to plant and care for, so everyone likes to grow succulents. Orostachys boehmeri is also a type of succulent, so let us take a look together at how Orostachys boehmeri should be grown!
How to grow Orostachys boehmeri so it quickly fills its pot
1. Soil selection for Orostachys boehmeri
The growing medium used is peat mixed with perlite plus pumice, in a ratio of 1:1:1. In order to separate the plant from contact with the soil surface, and also for better air permeability, clean granular river sand is specially spread on top, with a river sand size of 3 to 5 mm and a sand layer thickness of 5 mm. Watering is done only when the soil is completely dry, and then water thoroughly; if it is not dry, do not water.
2. Light requirements for Orostachys boehmeri
Spring and autumn are the growing seasons, and full sun is fine. In summer it basically does not go dormant, but it needs ventilation and shade. In the hot summer, water 4 to 5 times each month, without watering thoroughly, to maintain the plant's normal growth; too much water in summer easily causes rot. In winter, when the temperature is below 5 degrees, watering should gradually be stopped, and below 3 degrees keep the potting soil dry, trying to keep it no lower than minus 3 degrees. In this way it can safely pass the winter.
3. Watering method for Orostachys boehmeri
When watering normally, try to water close to the soil surface; water on the leaves will affect their appearance. Water-spot blemishes may also appear, turning the originally crystal-clear little figures into pockmarked faces, and that is not good!
4. Pest control for Orostachys boehmeri
Orostachys boehmeri is relatively tough; apart from a few that croak because of too much water, it basically does not get sick. Insects are more troublesome, and root mealybugs must be guarded against, mainly because whether it has root mealybugs is almost impossible to tell from any difference. On one side several families of root mealybugs are being raised, while on the other side growth and flowering are completely unaffected; how tough! What is feared is being together with other succulents: it can take it, but others may not. If any are found, throw away the soil, throw away the pot, pull off a few small rosettes, and re-propagate them by cuttings. Do not be reluctant; safety first. Poison or raise insects, that is the question.
Succulent growing methods and precautions for Orostachys boehmeri
1. Soil: For Orostachys boehmeri, the soil generally used is peat mixed with perlite plus pumice, in a ratio of 1:1:1. In order to keep the plant from contacting the soil surface, and also for better air permeability, clean granular river sand can be spread on top, with a river sand size of 3 to 5 mm and a sand layer thickness of about 5 mm.
2. Light: Orostachys boehmeri is a light-loving plant, especially during the growing season, when full-day sunlight is best. During the dormancy period, however, shade is needed to prevent prematurely breaking the dormancy period.
3. Watering: Orostachys boehmeri is generally watered only when completely dry, and then thoroughly; if not dry, do not water. In the hot summer, generally water 4 to 5 times each month, without watering thoroughly, to maintain the plant's normal growth; too much watering in summer easily causes rot. In winter, when the temperature is below 5 degrees, watering should gradually be stopped, and below 3 degrees keep the potting soil dry, trying to keep it no lower than minus 20 degrees.
4. Flower handling: To prevent solitary plants from withering due to flowering, the flower buds can be cut off at the budding stage, and after some time check again for any remaining flowers; if there are any, clean them up again. However, only clustered plants will flower, and single plants that have not flowered will not die, so generally the whole plant will not all die at once.
Growing environment
Orostachys boehmeri has strong habits, likes light, tolerates cold, and also tolerates moisture. After summer temperatures exceed 30°C, it begins dormancy. In spring, summer and autumn it grows rapidly, yet its appearance is not beautiful; in the winter dormant state it reaches its best ornamental effect. It can survive in severe cold, and can safely overwinter in winter when not lower than minus 28°C.
Propagation method
Orostachys boehmeri mainly relies on cutting propagation. During the growing season, pick off slightly larger young plantlets and place them on the soil surface; rooting speed is relatively fast and success is easy. Single-leaf leaf cuttings can also propagate it; mature leaves that fall on the soil can also take root and grow into new plants when there is enough moisture.
In summary, although succulents are very easy to plant, they still need you to put in effort to care for them! If they are not cared for well, succulents will also drop leaves or turn yellow and withered! This greatly reduces the ornamental value of succulents!